Safety Features for Portable Electonic Device

ABSTRACT

A portable electronic device includes a safety feature configured to prevent at least some forms of use of the device when the user is traveling beyond a speed threshold. The device may detect its linear speed, compare that speed to a threshold, and provide a response or blocking function upon detecting that the speed has exceeded a threshold. In one embodiment, the device is a cell phone configured to disable the transmission and reception of voice and text, conceal its display screen, and disable incorporated games, cameras, internet access, etc., if the cell phone is moving faster than walking speed. The blocking function in a cell phone may be partially overridden by the introduction of hands-free equipment. The introduction of a hands-free earpiece and microphone may serve to override the blocking of voice transmission and reception, and may also enable a voice activated dialing and/or answering function.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/285,556, entitled “Safety Features for Portable Electronic Device,”filed Nov. 22, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein, andwhich claims priority from the disclosure of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/720,528, entitled “Safety Features for PortableElectronic Device,” filed Sep. 26, 2005, which is incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a variety of safety concerns associated with using portableelectronic devices (e.g., cellular telephones) while driving a vehicleor during other activities. A variety of measures have been taken toaddress such concerns, including legal measures, but no one prior to theinventor has created or used the invention described in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims that particularly pointout and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the expresslydisclosed exemplary embodiments of the present invention can beunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify thesame elements. The drawings and detailed description which follow areintended to be merely illustrative of the expressly disclosed exemplaryembodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary portable electronic devicesystem.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary set of steps that may beperformed by the system shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description should not be used to limit the scope of thepresent invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, andadvantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following description, which includes by way ofillustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out theinvention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of otherdifferent and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention.Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive. It should therefore beunderstood that the inventor contemplates a variety of embodiments thatare not explicitly disclosed herein.

In FIG. 1, an exemplary portable electronic device system (10) is shown,comprising a portable electronic device (20) and a speed detector (30).In one embodiment, the portable electronic device (20) comprises a cellphone. As used herein, the term “cell phone” shall be read to includedevices having walkie-talkie features. It will be appreciated, however,a portable electronic device (20) may comprise a variety of otherelectronic devices, including but not limited to portable digitalassistants (PDA's), laptop computers, MP3 players such as I-PODS and thelike, other telecommunications devices, other data processing devices,and the like. Other suitable examples of a portable electronic device(20) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the present example, a local portion (34) of the speed detector (30)is integral with the portable electronic device (20). However, it willbe appreciated that the entirety of speed detector (30) may be integralwith or otherwise local to the portable electronic device (20).Alternatively, the entirety of speed detector (30) may be separate from,outside of, or otherwise remote relative to the portable electronicdevice (20). Still other suitable relative configurations of portableelectronic device (20) and speed detector (30) will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Exemplary embodiments of the portableelectronic device (20) and the speed detector (30) will be discussed ingreater detail below, while other embodiments will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

The speed detector (30) of the present example comprises a remoteportion (32) and a local portion (34). In this example, the remoteportion (32) is positioned outside of the portable electronic device(20); while the local portion (34) is positioned within the portableelectronic device (20). The remote portion (32) is in communication withthe local portion (34). The speed detector (30) further comprises aspeed detection logic (50) in communication with the local portion (34).Of course, the speed detection logic (50) may be in communication withremote portion (32) in addition to or as an alternative to being incommunication with local portion (34).

In the present example, the speed detector (30) is operable to determinethe speed at which the portable electronic device is traveling (e.g.,linear speed), and is configured to communicate a signal from the speeddetection logic (50) that is indicative of that detected speed. Variousmethods and devices for accomplishing such speed detection will bedescribed in greater detail below, while others will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

In one embodiment, the speed detector (30) comprises a GlobalPositioning System (GPS). In particular, a remote portion (32) of thespeed detector (30) comprises one or more GPS satellites; while a localportion (34) of the speed detector comprises a GPS receiver. Variousways in which a GPS system may be used in accordance with severalembodiments will be discussed in greater detail herein, while otherswill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. In addition, components other than GPS systems thatare suitable for providing a speed detector (30) will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment, speed is determined using land-based signaltriangulation techniques. In this embodiment, the portable electronicdevice (20) comprise a transmitter/receiver as a local portion (34) of aspeed detector (30); with a remote portion (32) of the speed detector(30) comprising a plurality of fixed base stations. For instance, threefixed base stations may send a signal, with the transmitter/receiversending a responding signal. The time it takes for these signals toarrive may be used in a mathematical triangulation algorithm tocalculate the position of the cell phone, with changes in positionleading to speed.

Suitable triangulation techniques for obtaining traffic information andproviding emergency response are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,901,264,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Of course,any number of base stations may be used, as may any other variation ofthe triangulation techniques described above. Similarly, any other typeof speed detector (30) may be used.

The portable electronic device (20) of the present example comprises asafety circuit (40). In the present example, safety circuit (40) resideswithin the portable electronic device (20). However, it will beappreciated that all or part of safety circuit (40) may reside outsideof the portable electronic device (20). The safety circuit (40)comprises a safety logic (42), a threshold logic (44), and a timer (46).In the present example, the speed detection logic (50) is also part ofthe safety circuit (40) (i.e., in addition to being part of the speeddetector (30)). The timer (46) is operable to communicate a signalindicative of time, such as a periodic pulse or the like. The timer (46)is in communication with the speed detection logic (50), the thresholdlogic (44), and the safety logic (42) in this example. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate, however, that timer (46) may be incommunication with less than all of these components, or may beotherwise substituted, supplemented, or omitted altogether.

In one embodiment, the remote portion (32) and local portion (34) ofspeed detector (30) are operable to determine positioning of theportable electronic device (20). The remote portion (32) and localportion (34) of speed detector (30) are further operable to communicatesuch positioning information to the speed detection logic (50). With atleast two sets of positioning information, the speed detection logic(50) is operable to calculate a distance traveled by the portableelectronic device (20). Using the timing signal communicated by thetimer (46), the speed detection logic (50) is operable to calculate thespeed at which the portable electronic device (20) is traveling bydividing the distance traveled by the time taken to travel thatdistance. The speed detection logic (50) then communicates a signal tothe threshold logic (44) indicative of the speed calculated by the speeddetection logic (50). Of course, a variety of alternative methods andtechniques may be used to determine the speed at which portableelectronic device (20) is traveling, all of which are contemplatedherein.

In another embodiment, the speed detector (30) is configured to takepositioning readings at predetermined time intervals. In thisembodiment, the timer (46) is used to communicate the passage of suchtime intervals to the speed detector (30). Thus, with the time intervalbetween first and second positions being known, the timer (46) need notbe in communication with the speed detection logic (50). That is, thevalue of the predetermined time interval may be already incorporatedinto the speed detection logic (50). In yet another embodiment, thetimer (46) communicates passage of a predetermined time interval to thespeed detection logic (50), and the speed detection logic (50) uses sucha communication to command the local portion (34) and/or remote portion(32) of the speed detector (30) to take positioning readings at suchtimes. Still other suitable structural and logical configurations willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The threshold logic (44) in this example is configured to compare thespeed indicated by the signal communicated by the speed detection logic(50) to a threshold value. When the indicated speed exceeds thethreshold value, the threshold logic (44) is configured to communicate asignal to the safety logic (42) to indicate that the threshold has beenexceeded. In one embodiment, where the threshold logic (44) is furtherin communication with the timer (46), the threshold logic (44) isconfigured such that it will communicate the signal to the safety logic(44) only when the speed threshold has been exceeded for a certainamount of time. In other words, in this embodiment, the threshold logic(44) is configured to determine the amount of time during which theportable electronic device (20) is traveling beyond a threshold speed.In another embodiment, the threshold logic (44) simply communicates asignal to the safety logic (42) when the threshold speed has beenexceeded, and the safety logic (42), being in communication with thetimer (46), determines whether the threshold speed has been exceeded fora certain amount of time. In either case, it will be appreciated thatthe signal communicated by threshold logic (44) may be substantiallyinstantaneous (e.g., a single pulse) to indicate that the threshold hasbeen exceeded, may be continuous during the time that the threshold isbeing exceeded, or may have any other duration(s) or properties.

In the present example, the safety logic (42) is operable to communicateone or more signals to another component of the portable electronicdevice (20). Such a signal may be communicated in response to anindication from the threshold logic (44) that the speed threshold hasbeen exceeded, that the speed threshold has been exceeded for a certainperiod of time, or in response to any other condition(s). In thisexample, the signal(s) communicated by the safety logic (42) isconfigured to disable one or more functions of the portable electronicdevice (20), as will be described in greater detail below.

It will be appreciated that safety logic (42) may be configured suchthat different signals may be communicated by safety logic (42) inresponse to different speed thresholds being exceeded and/or otherdifferent conditions, with such different signals being communicatedfrom safety logic (42) effecting the disablement of different functionsof the portable electronic device (20). In other words, safety logic(42) may be configured to disable a variety of functions of portableelectronic device (20) in response to a variety of conditions, includingcombinations thereof By way of example only, the conditions triggeringsuch a response from the safety logic (42) may comprise one or both ofspeed and time. As another example, where a plurality of functions maybe disabled in response to a plurality of conditions, the particularfunction(s) disabled may be dependent upon a particular condition orparticular conditions. Other suitable conditions and responses will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

A flow diagram is provided in FIG. 2 to illustrate several possiblesteps that may be used in performing exemplary methods in accordancewith several embodiments described herein. In block (100), the portableelectronic device (20) is being used. In block (110), a first positionof the portable electronic device (20) is determined. In block (120), asecond position of the portable electronic device (20) is determined. Itwill be appreciated that such positioning determinations (110, 120) maybe performed using one or both of the remote portion (32) and the localportion (34) of the speed detector (30), and/or using any other suitablecomponent(s).

In block (130), the lapse of time between the portable electronic device(20) being in the first and second positions is determined. It will beappreciated that such a lapse of time determination (130) may beperformed using the speed detection logic (50) and/or timer (46), and/orusing any other suitable component(s). It will also be appreciated thatthe lapse of time may be a predetermined value as described above. Inother words, the positioning determinations (110, 120) may be made atpredetermined time intervals, such that the lapse of time between thetwo positions is predetermined. The timer (46) may be used to providesuch a predetermined time interval. Suitable time intervals for makingpositioning determinations (110, 120) in such an embodiment will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In yet another embodiment, predetermined time intervals are used bydefault, with ad hoc time intervals being determined (130) where thesecond position cannot be determined (120) for whatever reason at theexpiration of the default predetermined time interval. For instance,where a speed detector (30) comprises a GPS system, a predetermined timeinterval for making positioning determinations (110, 120) may be used bydefault, with an ad hoc time interval being determined (130) when thesecond position cannot be determined (120) at the expiration of thepredetermined time interval when communication of the GPS system breaksdown due to temporary interference with or obstruction of the GPSsignal. Still other variations will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

In block (140), the distance traveled by the portable electronic device(20) between the first and second positions is determined. Such adistance traveled determination (140) may be performed by the speeddetection logic (50) and/or any other suitable component(s). Thisdistance traveled determination (140) may be based on the first andsecond positions determined in blocks (110) and (120), or may beotherwise determined.

Next, in block (150), the speed at which the portable electronic device(20) is traveling is determined. Such a speed determination (150) may beperformed by the speed detection logic (50) and/or any other suitablecomponent(s). In one embodiment, the speed is calculated by dividing thedistance traveled, as determined in block (140), by the time taken totravel that distance, as determined in block (130). Of course, any othermethods and/or components may be used to determine the speed at whichthe portable electronic device (20) is traveling.

In block (160), the speed calculated in block (150) is compared to athreshold. Such a threshold comparison (160) may be performed by thethreshold logic (44) and/or any other suitable component(s). In oneembodiment, the speed threshold is approximately equal to averagewalking speed (e.g., 2-4 mph). In another embodiment, the speedthreshold is approximately equal to average running speed (e.g., 4-10mph). In yet another embodiment, the speed threshold is approximately 25mph. In addition, it will be appreciated that several thresholds may beused. For instance, the applicable threshold may depend on a variety ofconditions (e.g., location, the type of device, etc.). In anotherembodiment, a speed threshold is set by a consumer as described ingreater detail below. Still other suitable speed threshold values, aswell as ways in which the use of speed thresholds may be varied, will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In block (170), it is determined whether the speed calculated in block(150) is in excess of the threshold. This determination (170) may beperformed by the threshold logic (44) and/or any other suitablecomponent(s). If the determination of block (170) is that the speed ofthe portable electronic device (20) is not above the threshold, themethod may proceed to block (180), which comprises continuing to permitnormal use of the portable electronic device (20). In such a situation,the method may proceed back to block (110), to determine positioning,time lapse, distance traveled, speed, etc. again.

It will be appreciated that some level of data processing may berequired in order to determine speed (150) and/or to compare thedetermined speed to a threshold (160). In one embodiment, the processingis performed locally (e.g., within the portable electronic device (20)).In another embodiment, the processing is performed remotely (i.e.,remote from the portable electronic device (20)). Of course, theprocessing may also comprise a combination of local and remoteprocessing.

As shown in FIG. 2, a variety of responses may be provided upon adetermination (170) that the speed is in excess of the threshold. Oneexemplary response is to simply turn off the portable electronic device(20), as shown in block (200). For instance, all further use of theportable electronic device (20) may be prevented until the speed fallsback below the threshold when the portable electronic device (20) isturned back on.

Another exemplary response is to disable one or more functions of theportable electronic device (20), as shown in block (210), and as will bedescribed in greater detail below. It will be appreciated that the aboveresponses (200, 210) may be provided via a signal from the safety logic(42) and/or any other suitable component(s). In one embodiment, theportable electronic device (20) is a telecommunications device thatprovides voice communication and text messaging. In this embodiment,transmission of such voice and text is blocked as part of a functiondisabling response (210). In another version of this embodiment, textmessaging capabilities are disabled while voice communication ispermitted. Other variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art. The disablement of a function (210) of a portable electronicdevice (20) may be referred to herein as a “blocking function.” Thus, asused herein, it will be appreciated that a “blocking function” isoperable to block, disable, or otherwise affect another function of aportable electronic device (20).

In another embodiment, the portable electronic device (20) is atelecommunications device that provides walkie-talkie communication. Forinstance, an example of such a portable electronic device (20) in thisembodiment may be a cell phone that has a walkie-talkie feature. In thisembodiment, the walkie-talkie functioning of the portable electronicdevice (20) is disabled as part of a function disabling (210) response.Of course, other variations with such a device may be used.

In another embodiment, the portable electronic device (20) has a displayscreen. An example of such a portable electronic device (20) in thisembodiment may be an I-POD, cell phone, PDA, etc. In this embodiment,the display screen is disabled as part of a function disabling response(210).

While several examples of complete or partial disablement of one or morefunctions have been described above, it will be appreciated that anyother functions may be disabled as part of a function disabling response(210), including but not limited to disablement of incorporated games,cameras, internet access, etc., including combinations thereof Inaddition, where more than one speed threshold is used, certain responsesmay be associated with a particular threshold. Similarly, as will bedescribed in greater detail below, certain responses may be provided atdifferent time intervals during a period at which the speed is above athreshold.

Yet another exemplary response is to measure the time during which thespeed is above the threshold, as shown in block (220). By comparing suchtime during which the speed is above the threshold against a time limit,a determination may be made as to whether the time limit has beenexceeded, as shown in block (230). If the time limit has not yet beenexceeded, the time during which the speed is above the threshold maycontinue to be measured (220) and compared against a time limit todetermine (230) whether the time limit has been exceeded. Upondetermining (230) that the time limit has been exceeded, a response,such as turning off the device (200) or disabling one or more functionsof the device (210), may be provided. It will also be appreciated thatmore than one time limit may be used. For instance, a variety of timelimits may be used, with one of the time limits being selected based onthe speed calculated in block (150) or based on any other condition(s).Still other ways in which one or more time limits may be used will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It will also beappreciated that the timer (46) and/or any other suitable device may beused to measure (220) the time during which the speed is above thethreshold and/or determine (230) whether a time limit has been exceeded.

In yet another embodiment, the portable electronic device (20) isconfigured to be selectively coupled with one or more hands-freedevices, as will be described in greater detail below. In such anembodiment, as shown in block (240), a determination is made as towhether the hands-free device is being used. If it is determined (240)that a hands-free device is being used, the method may includecontinuing to permit normal use of the portable electronic device (20)as shown in block (180). In another embodiment, partial use of theportable electronic device (20) is permitted in response to determining(240) that a hands-free device is being used. In the present example, ifit is determined (240) that a hands-free device is not being used, aresponse, such as turning off the device (200) or disabling one or morefunctions of the device (210), is provided. In yet another embodiment,the type of response provided upon a determination (240) that ahands-free device is or is not being used is dependent upon the type ofhands-free device being used. Still other ways in which a response maybe provided upon a determination (240) that a hands-free device is or isnot being used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

For instance, in one embodiment of the cell phone example, transmissionand reception of voice-only communications is permitted when ahands-free earpiece and microphone attachment is used. In this example,the cell phone may further permit voice activated dialing and/or voiceactivated answering.

While several exemplary steps have been described above with referenceto FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that any of those steps may be varied,substituted, omitted, or supplemented in any suitable way. It will alsobe appreciated that the steps need not be performed in the order shown.By way of example only, the time lapse determination (130) may beperformed after the distance traveled determination (140). Alternatively(e.g., where the time lapse is predetermined), the time lapsedetermination (130) may be omitted. As another example, thedetermination (240) of whether a hands free device is being used may beperformed before the first position determination (110), such that thefirst position determination (110) and the steps thereafter are simplynot performed when it has been a determined that a hands free device isbeing used (240). Still other ways in which the methods shown in FIG. 2may be varied will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

While several embodiments have been described in general terms above,further embodiments will be described below in more specific terms inthe context of a cell phone as a portable electronic device (20). Itwill be appreciated, however, that all of the embodiments describedherein, regardless of the specificity of such descriptions, are merelyexemplary.

In one embodiment, a cell phone is provided with a safety feature thatis configured to prevent use of the cell phone when the user and cellphone are traveling beyond a certain speed. It will be appreciated thata variety of techniques for detecting speed may be used, and that avariety of responses may be employed upon the detection of a certainspeed. Several of such techniques and responses are described herein,while others will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the present example, a cell phone includes a GPS receiver. It will beappreciated that, by being able to determine the approximate positioningof an object, such GPS systems may also be used to determine the speedof an object. For instance, and as described above, the speed of anobject may be determined by dividing the distance traveled by the object(e.g., calculated by taking two positioning readings) by time taken bythe object to travel that distance (e.g., the time between the twopositioning readings). A GPS system may thus be used to determine thelinear traveling speed of a cell phone, and hence, the speed of a userof the cell phone. It will be appreciated that the accuracy or precisionof positioning readings that are used to determine speed need not begreat per se. In other words, in one embodiment, the actual location ofthe device is relatively unimportant, while the change in location ofthe device is more important. Alternatively, a device may be used wherethe actual location of the device is more important. In anotherembodiment, the actual location of the device and the change in locationof the device are simply irrelevant (e.g., the speed is determined usingan alternative technique). Thus, while several devices and techniquesfor determining speed (150) have been described above, it will beappreciated that a variety of alternative devices and techniques may beused to determine speed (150). Such alternatives will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

In the present example, a cell phone is configured to detect its speedwhen it is turned on, before permitting use. Subject to some conditions,the cell phone will permit use upon being turned on only if the speed isbelow a certain threshold. If the speed is below the threshold, the cellphone will permit use until that threshold is exceeded. Thus, it will beappreciated that the cell phone may continue to monitor speed during useof the cell phone. Such monitoring may be substantially continuous,periodic, or be triggered by any suitable event(s) or condition(s).

Upon detecting that the speed has exceeded a speed threshold, the cellphone of the present example is configured to provide one or moreresponses. For instance, such responses may be provided in the form ofresponse functions or blocking functions. In one embodiment, a cellphone is simply turned off when the speed is above a threshold, and allfurther use of the cell phone is prevented until the speed falls backbelow the threshold when the cell phone is turned back on. In anotherembodiment, the cell phone remains on during the response, but the cellphone is configured to block transmission and reception of voice andtext messaging (e.g., through standard telephony protocol, via awalkie-talkie feature, or otherwise, including combinations thereof), toconceal the display screen, and to disable incorporated games, cameras,internet access, etc. Of course, a variety of alternative responses maybe employed upon the detection that the speed has exceeded a threshold.When one or more response functions have been effected, the cell phoneor other portable electronic device (20) may be considered to be in a“safe mode.”

It will be appreciated that a portable electronic device (20) mayoptionally further comprise a feature configured to at least partiallyoverride the response/blocking function(s) under certain conditions. Forinstance, in one embodiment of the cell phone example, a feature isconfigured to override the blocking of transmission and reception ofvoice-only communications when a hands-free earpiece and microphoneattachment is used. Such overriding may occur regardless of whether theearpiece and/or microphone is hard-wired or wireless. In this example,the cell phone may further permit voice activated dialing and/or voiceactivated answering. Of course, a variety of other conditions maytrigger the overriding of one or more blocking functions. Otherconditions, as well as other blocking functions that may be at leastpartially overridden, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart.

As used herein, terms such as “override,” “overridden,” etc. shall beunderstood to refer to instances where one or more signals to effect aresponse/blocking function are present, but at least one of those one ormore signals are nullified by one or more separate override signals.Such terms shall also be understood to refer to an instance where atleast one signal to effect a blocking function is simply removed. Inaddition, such terms shall be understood to include an instance wherespeed detection, threshold comparison, and/or some other portion of themethods described herein is not performed in response to the presence ofa condition such as use of a hands-free device. In addition, the termsshall include all functional equivalents of these instances.

In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the blockingfunction(s) is/are overridden when the user is a passenger in a car,train, airplane, etc. Alternatively, a portable electronic device (20)may be configured such that the speed detecting and/or blockingfunctions may be enabled only when the user is in a car or is driving acar.

In one example of this embodiment, such positioning of the user isdetermined by comparing GPS positioning data to a map, two-dimensionalmodel of an environment, three-dimensional model of an environment, orthe like. For instance, where a map or model includes streets, and theresolution of the GPS technology permits the determination of whether auser is closer to the middle of the street or the edge of the street,the position of the user in a car (e.g., driver side or passenger side)may be inferred. Such intra-vehicle positioning may be used to preventthe disablement of cell phone features despite a non-driving user'straveling speed being beyond the threshold. In other words, where theuser of a portable electronic device (20) is a passenger in a cartraveling at a speed above the threshold, and it is determined that theuser is a passenger and not the driver of the car, one or more blockingfunctions may be prevented based on the determination that the user is apassenger and not the driver. Still other ways in which the status of auser of a portable electronic device (20) may be determined (e.g.,whether the user is a driver or a passenger in a car), and ways in whichsuch a determination may be used to influence the functioning of one ormore components of a portable electronic device system (10) (e.g., asafety circuit (40)), will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart.

With respect to trains, a map or model may include data representingtrain tracks, such that it may be determined with the GPS that the useris traveling beyond the threshold speed over the train tracks (versus ona road). In this example, the portable electronic device (20) maycontinue to function as if the user were not moving at all, in spite ofthe fact that the user is traveling beyond the threshold speed. Withrespect to airplanes and the like, the speed detector (30) or othertechnology may provide altitude data sufficient to infer that the useris not driving a car. In another embodiment, an additional speedthreshold is provided, whereby the cell phone will not switch to a safemode when the speed exceeds this additional threshold. For instance,this additional threshold may be a speed at which airplanes typicallytravel, beyond a speed at which automobiles typically travel. In thisexample, a safe mode may be activated when the detected speed is betweentwo thresholds, and not activated when the speed is below the firstthreshold or above the second threshold. Other ways for determining theposition of a user within a vehicle, whether the user is driving avehicle, and/or what type of vehicle a user is in, and ways in whichsuch a determination may be used to influence the functioning of one ormore components of a portable electronic device system (10) (e.g., asafety circuit (40)), will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart.

Notwithstanding the various potential overrides, such as those describedabove, the one or more responses to the detection of the speed exceedingthe threshold may cease or otherwise be removed when the speed fallsbelow the threshold. For instance, after detecting that the speed hasexceeded the threshold, and implementing the response(s), the cell phoneof the present example may continue to perform speed detecting functionson a periodic or other basis to determine whether the speed has fallenbelow the threshold. Upon detecting that the speed has fallen below thethreshold, the cell phone of the present example may remove the blockingfunction(s) and permit unrestrained use until the speed again exceedsthe threshold.

Alternatively, a timer, such as the timer (46) shown in FIG. 1, may beused such that blocking functions are removed only when the speedremains below the threshold for a certain period of time. For instance,in one embodiment, normal use of a portable electronic device (20) ispermitted immediately upon a determination that the speed fallen blowthe threshold. In another embodiment, normal use of a portableelectronic device (20) is permitted only upon a determination that thespeed has fallen below the threshold for a certain period of time. Inyet another embodiment, using a tiered approach, a plurality of timeperiods are used as milestones, such that one or more functions arere-enabled at certain times after the speed has fallen below thethreshold. Still other ways in which a timer (46), counter, or similardevice may be used after the speed has fallen back below the threshold,including but not limited to the use of such a device to influence there-enablement of one or more functions of a portable electronic device(20), will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Similarly, as discussed above, a timer (46) or other device may be usedsuch that the blocking functions are applied only when the speed exceedsthe threshold for a certain period of time. In another embodiment, wherethe portable electronic device (20) is a cell phone, normal use of thecell phone is at least partially permitted after the speed has exceededa threshold, but a timer (46) or other device is used to place timelimits on individual telephone communications made during the periodthat the speed is above the threshold. For instance, a cell phone may beconfigured such that telephone calls are only permitted to last 1 minuteif the calls are made, received, or otherwise in progress during thetime that the speed is above the threshold. Of course, any otherduration limit may be used. In yet another embodiment of the cell phoneexample, a timer (46) is used to govern the frequency of telephone callsduring the period that the speed is above the threshold. For instance,if a call ends during the period that the speed is above the threshold,a timer (46) may be used to prevent another call from being made and/orreceived until a certain amount of time has passed. Other ways in whicha timer (46) or similar device may be used will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art. It will also be appreciated that a timer (46)may be substituted or supplemented in any suitable way. For instance,and without limitation, a counter or other device may be used to limitthe number and/or frequency of calls made on a cell phone when the speedis above the threshold and/or within a certain period of time.

In yet another variation, the cell phone of the present example may beconfigured to determine whether its speed has fallen below the thresholdonly when the user attempts to turn the cell phone on. For instance, inthe embodiment where the cell phone is turned off when the speed exceedsthe threshold, such as in the step indicated by block (200) in FIG. 2,the speed detection will cease until the cell phone is turned back on.

In embodiments where GPS or similar technologies are used to detectspeed, it will be appreciated that occasions may arise whereenvironmental factors or other factors may adversely affect thefunctioning of the GPS or other device. For instance, a GPS signal maybe blocked while a user is traveling in a tunnel, between skyscrapers,etc., such that the speed of the portable electronic device (20) cannotbe determined. In such situations, the portable electronic device (20)may be configured to default to a particular mode. In one embodiment, aportable electronic device (20) defaults to a safe mode when the speedcannot be detected due to GPS signal blockage or other reasons. Inanother embodiment, a portable electronic device (20) defaults to afully operational mode when the speed cannot be detected due to GPSsignal blockage or other reasons. In yet another embodiment, alternativespeed detecting devices/techniques are used when a default speeddetecting device/technique ceases to yield satisfactory results. Otherways in which the inability to detect speed may be addressed will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It will also be appreciated that features described herein may besubject to consumer activation. In other words, a consumer may be giventhe choice of having the speed detection and/or response functionsactivated or otherwise enabled. For instance, a parent may purchase apair of cell phones—one for himself/herself and one for his/her child.The parent may activate the speed detection and response functions withrespect to his/her child's cell phone, but refrain from activating thefunctions with respect to his/her own cell phone. The cell phonemanufacturer, service provider, parent, or other entity, may activate orotherwise enable the speed detection and response functions in the cellphone(s) accordingly. Accordingly, as used herein, the term “consumer”shall be read to include, but not necessarily be limited to, a retailseller of a portable electronic device (20), a provider of servicesassociated with a portable electronic device (20), a purchaser of aportable electronic device (20), a user of a portable electronic device(20), the parent or another person associated with a user of a portableelectronic device (20), a manufacturer of a portable electronic device(20), etc.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of a safety circuit (40) of aportable electronic device (20) is subject to selective consumeractivation. In such embodiments, the selective activation of at least aportion of the safety circuit (40) may provide selective activation ofone or more of the safety logic (42), the threshold logic (44), thespeed detection logic (50), and/or any other component. In anotherembodiment, a consumer preference logic is present, and is configured toselectively override a signal communicated from and/or within the safetycircuit (40). Still other logical and structural configurations forproviding selective activation of features described herein will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The selective activation of features described herein may furthercomprise the use of a code. For instance, a parent may use a code toactivate the features on a child's cell phone. Such a code may be usedlocally (e.g., input into the cell phone itself), remotely (e.g.,submitted via a telephone to a service provider or via the Internet,etc.), or combinations thereof It will also be appreciated that,regardless of whether a code is used to activate the features, a codemay additionally or alternatively be required to de-activate thefeatures described herein.

In one embodiment, the speed detection and/or response featuresdescribed herein may be provided by default with a portable electronicdevice (20), such that de-activation of those features is required inorder to disable such features. In another embodiment, the featuresdescribed herein may be de-activated by default, such that activation ofthose features is required in order to initially enable such features.In yet another embodiment, a consumer may be provided the option ofselecting from among a plurality of available features for activationand/or the option of otherwise configuring the provision of suchfeatures. For instance, a consumer may be given the option of selectingthe type of response provided through the portable electronic device(20) when the speed has exceeded the threshold, a time period that mustlapse with the speed above the threshold before a response is provided,the speed threshold itself, or any other configuration selection. Stillother ways in which features may be selectively configured, activated,and/or de-activated, including but not limited to code alternatives andmethods of using the same, will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art.

Alternatively, portable electronic devices described herein may beprovided with the speed detection and response functions enabledregardless of consumer preference for those functions. Accordingly, itwill be appreciated that input indicating a consumer preference need notbe permitted.

In another embodiment, an alert system is provided. For instance,referring back to the parent-child example above, a system may beconfigured to provide an alert (e.g., e-mail, voice mail, text message,etc.) to the parent when it is detected that the child has attempted touse the cell phone while traveling beyond the speed threshold. Asanother example, an alert or other indication that use of the portableelectronic device (20) has been attempted while the speed is above thethreshold may be recorded in a storage medium within the portableelectronic device (20), in a storage medium remote from the portableelectronic device (20) (e.g., a storage medium associated with aconsumer), or elsewhere. In yet another embodiment, the user of theportable electronic device (20) is provided with an alert. For instance,where the portable electronic device (20) has a speaker or displayscreen, an alert may be provided through such an interface to inform theuser that the portable electronic device (20) is not functioningnormally due to the speed being above the threshold, etc. Other forms ofalerts, recipients of alerts, and conditions for sending alerts, will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Having shown and described various embodiments and concepts of theinvention, further adaptations of the methods and systems describedherein can be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of theinvention. Several of such potential alternatives, modifications, andvariations have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, theinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modificationsand variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structureand operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

1. A portable electronic device system, comprising: (a) a portableelectronic device having a user interface, wherein the portableelectronic device is operable to provide a plurality of functions inresponse to user input received through the user interface, wherein theportable electronic device is configured to be used independently of avehicle; (b) a speed detector in communication with the portableelectronic device, wherein the speed detector is configured to detect alinear traveling speed of the portable electronic device, wherein thespeed detector is configured to generate and communicate a speed signalindicative of the detected linear traveling speed, wherein at least aportion of the speed detector is located within the portable electronicdevice; (c) a safety circuit in communication with the speed detectorand the portable electronic device, wherein the safety circuit isconfigured to receive the speed signal communicated from the speeddetector, wherein the safety circuit includes a threshold logic, whereinthe threshold logic is configured to compare the speed indicated by thespeed signal to a threshold, wherein the safety circuit is furtherconfigured to disable at least one of the functions of the portableelectronic device in response to detecting that the speed indicated bythe speed signal is in excess of the threshold in accordance with thethreshold logic; and (d) a consumer input logic in communication withthe safety circuit, wherein the consumer input logic is configured toreceive input from a consumer of the portable electronic deviceindicating a consumer preference relating to activation of the safetycircuit, wherein the safety circuit is subject to selective activationin accordance with a consumer preference indicated through the consumerinput logic.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronicdevice is selected from the group consisting of a cellular phone, aportable digital assistant (PDA), and a laptop computer.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the safety circuit is locatedremotely from the portable electronic device.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the consumer is selected from the group consisting of a retailseller of the portable electronic device, a provider of servicesassociated with the portable electronic device, a purchaser of theportable electronic device, a user of the portable electronic device, aparent associated with a user of the portable electronic device, and amanufacturer of the portable electronic device.
 5. The system of claim1, wherein the speed detector is configured to detect a linear travelingspeed of the portable electronic device using land-based signaltriangulation techniques.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the speeddetector comprises a local portion and a remote portion, wherein thelocal portion is located within the portable electronic device, whereinthe remote portion is located remotely from the portable electronicdevice, wherein the local portion is in communication with the remoteportion.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the local portion comprises atransmitter/receiver positioned within the portable electronic device,wherein the remote portion comprises a plurality of fixed base stations,wherein each of the plurality of fixed base stations is configured toemit a signal, wherein the signal is received by thetransmitter/receiver, wherein the transmitter/receiver is configured toemit a responding signal in response to receiving the signal from atleast one of the plurality of fixed base stations.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the speed detector comprises a Global PositioningSystem (GPS).
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the functions of theportable electronic device comprise transmission and reception of voiceor text communication to and from the portable electronic device,wherein the safety circuit is configured to disable the transmission andreception of voice or text communication to and from the portableelectronic device in response to detecting that the speed indicated bythe speed signal is in excess of the threshold.
 10. The system of claim1, further comprising an override logic in communication with the safetycircuit, wherein the override logic is configured to detect at least onecondition, wherein the override logic is further configured to, inresponse to detecting the at least one condition, override at least aportion of the disablement provided by the safety circuit.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the portable electronic device comprises atleast one hands-free input or output configured to communicate with oneor more hands-free user input or output devices, wherein the overridelogic is in communication with the hands-free input or output, whereinthe at least one condition comprises a coupling of one or morehands-free user input or output devices with the at least one hands-freeinput or output, wherein the override logic is further configured to, inresponse to detecting the coupling of one or more hands-free user inputor output devices with the at least one hands-free input or output,override at least a portion of the disablement provided by the safetycircuit.
 12. A method for providing a safety feature in a portableelectronic device, the method comprising: (a) providing a portableelectronic device, wherein the portable electronic device is operable toprovide a plurality of functions in response to user input; (b)detecting a linear speed at which the portable electronic device istraveling, wherein the act of detecting a linear speed at which theportable electronic device is traveling comprises receiving input from aspeed detector, wherein at least a portion of the speed detector islocated within the portable electronic device, wherein the speeddetector is configured to determine a geographical location of theportable electronic device; (c) comparing the detected linear speed to athreshold; (d) determining whether the detected linear speed is inexcess of the threshold; (e) disabling one or more functions of theplurality of functions in response to a determination that the detectedlinear speed is in excess of the threshold, wherein the act of disablingis performed by a safety circuit in communication with the speeddetector; and (f) recording an alert in response to an attempt toutilize at least one of the functions of the plurality of functionswhile the detected linear speed is in excess of the threshold, whereinthe alert comprises an indication that an attempt was made to utilize atleast one of the functions of the plurality of functions while thedetected linear speed is in excess of the threshold, wherein the alertis recorded in a storage medium.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thestorage medium is remote from the portable electronic device.
 14. Aportable electronic device system, comprising: (a) a portable electronicdevice having a user interface, wherein the portable electronic deviceis operable to provide a plurality of functions in response to userinput received through the user interface, wherein the portableelectronic device comprises at least one hands-free input or outputconfigured to communicate with one or more hands-free user input oroutput devices; (b) a speed detector in communication with the portableelectronic device, wherein the speed detector is configured to detect alinear traveling speed of the portable electronic device, wherein thespeed detector is configured to generate and communicate a speed signalindicative of the detected linear traveling speed, wherein at least aportion of the speed detector is located within the portable electronicdevice; (c) a safety circuit in communication with the speed detectorand the portable electronic device, wherein the safety circuit isconfigured to receive the speed signal communicated from the speeddetector, wherein the safety circuit includes a threshold logic, whereinthe threshold logic is configured to compare the speed indicated by thespeed signal to a threshold, wherein the safety circuit is furtherconfigured to disable at least one of the functions of the portableelectronic device in response to detecting that the speed indicated bythe speed signal is in excess of the threshold in accordance with thethreshold logic; and (d) an override logic in communication with thehands-free input or output, wherein the override logic is configured todetect a coupling of one or more hands-free user input or output deviceswith the at least one hands-free input or output, wherein the overridelogic is further configured to, in response to detecting the coupling ofone or more hands-free user input or output devices with the at leastone hands-free input or output, override at least a portion of thedisablement provided by the safety circuit.
 15. The system of claim 14,wherein the one or more hands-free user input or output device isselected from the group comprising a wireless earpiece, a wirelessmicrophone, a hard-wired earpiece, and a hard-wired microphone.
 16. Aportable electronic device system, comprising: (a) a portable electronicdevice having a user interface, wherein the portable electronic deviceis operable to provide a plurality of functions in response to userinput received through the user interface, wherein one of the pluralityof telecommunications functions comprises a voice or text communicationfunction; (b) a speed detector in communication with the portableelectronic device, wherein the speed detector is configured to detect alinear traveling speed of the portable electronic device, wherein thespeed detector is configured to generate and communicate a speed signalindicative of the detected linear traveling speed, wherein at least aportion of the speed detector is located within the portable electronicdevice; (c) a safety circuit in communication with the speed detectorand the portable electronic device, wherein the safety circuit isconfigured to receive the speed signal communicated from the speeddetector, wherein the safety circuit comprises a threshold logic and asafety logic, wherein the threshold logic is configured to compare thespeed indicated by the speed signal to a speed threshold, wherein thethreshold logic is further configured to communicate a speed safetysignal in response to determining that the speed indicated by the speedsignal has exceeded the speed threshold, wherein the safety logic is incommunication with the threshold logic, wherein the safety logic isconfigured to disable at least one of the plurality of functions of theportable electronic device in response to receiving the speed safetysignal communicated by the threshold logic; and (d) a timer incommunication with the portable electronic device, the threshold logicand the safety logic, wherein the timer is configured to begin measuringa communication duration time upon receipt of the speed safety signal bythe safety logic, wherein the communication duration time comprises anamount of time the portable electronic device is engaged in a singlevoice or text communication function, wherein the timer is configured tocommunicate duration data indicating the communication duration time,wherein the threshold logic is further configured to determine whetherthe communication duration time exceeds a duration threshold, whereinthe threshold logic is further configured to communicate a durationsafety signal in response to determining that the communication durationtime has exceeded the duration threshold, wherein the safety logic isfurther configured to disable the voice or text communication functionof the portable electronic device in response to receiving the durationsafety signal communicated by the threshold logic.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of functions of theportable electronic device is disabled, wherein the threshold logic isfurther configured to communicate an acceptable speed safety signal inresponse to determining that the speed indicated by the speed signaldoes not exceed the speed threshold, wherein the safety logic is furtherconfigured to override at least a portion of the disablement provided bythe safety logic in response to receiving the acceptable speed safetysignal communicated by the threshold logic.
 18. A portable electronicdevice system, comprising: (a) a portable electronic device having auser interface, wherein the portable electronic device is operable toprovide a plurality of functions in response to user input receivedthrough the user interface; (b) a speed detector in communication withthe portable electronic device, wherein the speed detector is configuredto detect a linear traveling speed of the portable electronic device,wherein the speed detector is configured to generate and communicate aspeed signal indicative of the detected linear traveling speed, whereinat least a portion of the speed detector is located within the portableelectronic device; (c) a safety circuit in communication with the speeddetector and the portable electronic device, wherein the safety circuitis configured to receive the speed signal communicated from the speeddetector, wherein the safety circuit comprises a threshold logic and asafety logic, wherein the threshold logic is configured to compare thespeed indicated by the speed signal to a speed threshold, wherein thethreshold logic is further configured to communicate a speed safetysignal in response to determining that the speed indicated by the speedsignal has exceeded the speed threshold, wherein the safety logic is incommunication with the threshold logic; and (d) a timer in communicationwith the portable electronic device, the threshold logic and the safetylogic, wherein the timer is configured to begin measuring an excessivespeed duration time upon receipt of the speed safety signal by thesafety logic, wherein the excessive speed duration time comprises anamount of time the speed indicated by the speed signal exceeds the speedthreshold, wherein the timer is configured to communicate duration dataindicating the excessive speed duration time, wherein the thresholdlogic is further configured to determine whether the excessive speedduration time exceeds a duration threshold, wherein the threshold logicis further configured to communicate a duration safety signal inresponse to determining that the excessive speed duration time hasexceeded the duration threshold, wherein the safety logic is furtherconfigured to disable at least one of the plurality of functions of theportable electronic device in response to receiving the duration safetysignal communicated by the threshold logic.
 19. The system of claim 18,wherein the threshold logic is further configured to communicate anacceptable speed safety signal in response to determining that the speedindicated by the speed signal does not exceed the speed threshold,wherein the timer is configured to begin measuring an acceptable speedduration time upon receipt of the acceptable speed safety signal by thesafety logic, wherein the acceptable speed duration time comprises anamount of time the speed indicated by the speed signal does not exceedthe speed threshold, wherein the timer is configured to communicateduration data indicating the acceptable speed duration time, wherein thethreshold logic is further configured to determine whether theacceptable speed duration time exceeds a duration threshold, wherein thethreshold logic is further configured to communicate an acceptable speedduration safety signal in response to determining that the acceptablespeed duration time has exceeded the duration threshold, wherein thesafety logic is further configured to override at least a portion of thedisablement provided by the safety logic in response to receiving theacceptable speed duration safety signal communicated by the thresholdlogic.
 20. A portable electronic device system, comprising: (a) aportable electronic device having a user interface, wherein the portableelectronic device is operable to provide a plurality of functions inresponse to user input received through the user interface, wherein oneof the plurality of telecommunications functions comprises a voice ortext communication function; (b) a speed detector in communication withthe portable electronic device, wherein the speed detector is configuredto detect a linear traveling speed of the portable electronic device,wherein the speed detector is configured to generate and communicate aspeed signal indicative of the detected linear traveling speed, whereinat least a portion of the speed detector is located within the portableelectronic device; (c) a safety circuit in communication with the speeddetector and the portable electronic device, wherein the safety circuitis configured to receive the speed signal communicated from the speeddetector, wherein the safety circuit comprises a threshold logic and asafety logic, wherein the threshold logic is configured to compare thespeed indicated by the speed signal to a speed threshold, wherein thethreshold logic is further configured to communicate a speed safetysignal in response to determining that the speed indicated by the speedsignal has exceeded the speed threshold, wherein the safety logic is incommunication with the threshold logic; and (d) a timer in communicationwith the portable electronic device, the threshold logic and the safetylogic, wherein the timer is configured to begin measuring aninter-communication duration time upon receipt of the speed safetysignal by the safety logic and termination of a voice or textcommunication function, wherein the inter-communication duration timecomprises an amount of time after a voice or text communication functionis terminated while the speed indicated by the speed signal exceeds thespeed threshold, wherein the timer is configured to communicate durationdata indicating the inter-communication duration time, wherein thethreshold logic is further configured to determine whether theinter-communication duration time exceeds a duration threshold, whereinthe threshold logic is further configured to communicate a durationsafety signal in response to determining that the inter-communicationduration time has not exceeded the duration threshold, wherein thesafety logic is further configured to disable the voice or textcommunication function of the portable electronic device in response toreceiving the duration safety signal communicated by the thresholdlogic.